For some odd reason people seem to think that making a vegetable biryani is hard work, for me it is the easiest  and quickest ONE pot meal. When we have family get togethers i am the one that always volunteers to make the biryani and it is always a winner.

Vegetable Biryani

45ml cooking oil

1medium onion-chopped

2-3pieces cinnamon

8-10 curry leaves

1 dry chilli

2ml cumin seeds

2ml mustard seeds

2ml fenugreek seeds

10ml ground ginger & garlic

10ml chilli powder

5ml cumin powder

5ml coriander powder

7ml turmeric powder

5ml Biryani-Mix Spices

500ml tastic rice

125ml brown lentils

750ml frozen mix vegetables

20ml salt

8-10 baby potatoes

Chopped fresh coriander

Method

1. Soak rice and lentils separately in warm water for about 1hour
2. Heat oil in a large heavy based pot and add onions and allow to brown on medium heat
3. Add all other spices and allow to cook for about 1-2 minutes
4. Add the washed rice and lentils, mix vegetables and the potatoes, and about 500ml water
5. Lower heat and allow to cook for about 45minutes (add more water if necessary) or until the potatoes are tender and the rice is cooked
6. Sprinkle chopped coriander before serving and serve with plain yoghurt and a mixed salad

Mix Salad

250ml grated carrots

250ml finely shredded lettuce

100ml chopped mixed peppers

100ml chopped tomatoes

75ml chopped cucumber

75ml grated radish

2ml finely chopped green chilli

75ml chopped onion

15ml shredded mint leaves

10ml vinegar

Method

• Mix all of the above together and serve with vegetable biryani